CSI Seminar: Navigating Rejection in Academia
April 10, 2025 @ 14:00 – 14:30 CEST
Rejection is an unavoidable part of academic life – whether it’s a rejected manuscript, an unsuccessful grant application, or job market setbacks. But while rejection is common, it can still feel deeply personal and discouraging. Why does rejection sting so much, and how can we navigate the emotions and self-doubt that come with it? In this seminar, we’ll explore how common rejection in academia is, the psychological impact of academic rejection, strategies for maintaining resilience, and ways to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth.
We will begin with a ~ 20 min talk, held in Solna and over zoom. Then proceed with a reflection and discussion held on-site. We encourage other sites to form watch parties, by listening in together to the talk and then hold their own discussion afterwards. Hopefully seeding many local chapters of CSI.
To help facilitate discussion and reflection, consider the following starter questions:
Awareness: where do we experience rejection in our lives already?
Analysis: how well do I currently interact with rejection?
Alternative: how could we relate to rejection in academia, for ourselves and others?
Action: how will knowledge of rejection in academia change my decisions going forward?
sami.saarenpaa@scilifelab.se
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